Sagala Caps Banton 2003 Summer Festivities
by Lyndon Fadri

Despite the rains brought by two successive typhoons and the furious habagat (southwest monsoon), the grand sagala pushed through as scheduled on May 31, 2003. For the first time in so many years, and with the enthusiastic participation of all barangays, a complete set of queens paraded around the town's main streets. See photos

In the evening, the traditional himuyagan (farewell party) took place highlighted by the awarding of prizes for the best turno (turn), for the best arc and to the winners of the RDL-CLEAR sponsored cultural sports - bagoy, tapas / kurkor and pawor / surilap (see related story ).

On the 30th of May, a grand halar (flower offering) was held at the St. Nicholas Parish Church participated in by young halaristas (offerors) from all over the municipality which turned out to be a huge showcase of the townsfolk artistic skills in arranging flowers. The best palmas (flower arrangement offering) were given valuable prizes. A lowa (oration ) para kang Maria and a Marian Quiz Bee were also held in the evening. See photos

The activity was a fitting a conclusion to the Flores de Mayo, revived this year with many improvements in line with the objectives of the Banton 2003 endeavor as well as the parish's desire to reinforce the devotion to the Blessed Mother amidst the changing culture, especially of the youth.

In this year's celebration, turnohan (practice of taking turns hosting the halaristas) was by barangay instead of by households. The image of the Blessed Mother was carried by revelers on foot from one barangay to the next host. During each turno, the best flower offerings of the day were given token prizes. The traditional get-together in the evening followed conducted in differing fashion yet full of Bantoanon traditions of old. Barangay Mainit won the first prize for the best turno, followed by Barangay Tumalum and Barangay Togong in that order.

The Flores de Mayo was ably spearheaded by Ms. Milagros Faderanga, Banton's First Lady.

The activity also capped the two-month long activities of the Banton 2003 Project, the chairman of which promised to conduct it annually with a lot more improvements. Meanwhile the Banton 2003 leadership is mulling to set its calendar of activities for the Fiesta (the local town fiesta and the Biniray), the semestral break and the Christmas vacation.